Webber: Nothing New in Grand Jury Charges

Published 7:00 pm, Friday, January 17, 2003

Chris Webber, facing additional charges for allegedly lying to a grand jury about a Michigan basketball booster, said Saturday there's nothing new in the indictment.

"It's the same thing as it's always been. That's the only comment I have. That's all I have to say about that situation," the Sacramento star said before the Kings' game against the Clippers.

The new indictment Friday charged Webber, father Mayce Webber Jr., and aunt Charlene Johnson with nine counts, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and perjury.

They are accused of lying to a federal grand jury about their dealings with former Wolverines booster Eddie Martin in 1988-93.

Martin claimed he gave $616,000 to Webber and three other Wolverines players while they were amateurs. Martin, who pleaded guilty to illegal gambling, said he gave Webber and his family $280,000. Webber said he received only pocket money from Martin.

The player was indicted Sept. 9, and later said he would "fight this case to the end, and I feel that I will be vindicated."

Defense attorney Steven F. Fishman of Detroit questioned why the charges weren't included in the original indictment, noting that the testimony hasn't changed.

"It's been no distraction at all. Players just play basketball. It hasn't been a distraction to Chris because he's been able to put it aside," Reynolds said. "That's why he's as good as he is. All of the best players in the world _ and he's one of them _ always have outside distractions of one type or another.

"Quite honestly, I think he's probably having his best season. I've never seen him play better."

Webber, in his 10th year in the NBA, was averaging 23 points and 10.5 rebounds heading into the game against the Clippers.